Futurising Magazine: An interview with Sammy Mansourpour, Founder

Prior to founding AgencyUK, Saman worked for Campaign’s Agency of the Year and was the European Marketing Manager of a Fortune 500 company at the age of 23.

What was your first ever job?

Air Products plc, I joined them after my degree on a graduate programme where I worked from multiple departments across Europe over a two year period. Essential learning, huge exposure and overall a great experience.
Why did you go into advertising?

I studied a degree that was founded in product design and business, which helped me to understand the product lifecycle and go to market strategies. Marketing, advertising and technology always came naturally. I thrive in creative environments even though I am always at the business end. Advertising was seeing huge change with the digital revolution, it was new and exciting so I wanted to be part of it.

How did you clinch your first job?

I did the university milk round, and had three graduate scheme offers before I finished my degree. I wanted to work, and I wanted to get involved with a blue chip company that was willing to invest heavily in me, and expose me to all aspects of the company. That helped me narrow down my choice of jobs and companies.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

The advertising industry is champagne and tears. So make sure you take time to enjoy the highs.
And what’s the worst piece of advice?
“Sit tight and bide your time”. This advice was given to me in context of asking for a promotion and being told I was too young. Time is our most precious commodity, and we need to utilise it effectively, and make sure we’re paid handsomely for it. Suffice to say I resigned that day. Time waits for no man.

How would your typical day play out?

It’s always interesting and it’s always challenging so each day is rarely the same. I split my time between clients, managing the internal teams, raising publicity for AgencyUK, and directing the business. There are aspects I feel comfortable with, and I know I’m good at. One of them is hiring people that are infinitely more talented than myself.

What do you see as the next big thing?

Big data. It is changing the way we communicate with people because it is analysing the way they actually behave. Our mobile life is key to this. For a bit of insight check out this recent article from our planning director.

What inspires you?

The people I work with and the work we produce. Because this is what builds AgencyUK’s reputation.
If you could share a desk with anyone, who would it be?
Seth Godin, because I think he’d chill me out. Although I’d probably get very little work done.

What’s your one piece of advice for young people looking to break into the industry?

Experience provides you choice. So look to acquire it any way you can.